4.
Reflections
from Pastor Betti
My husband and I went last month
on a long weekend to Florida. We
went to Tampa to visit his father and
step-mother. My father-in-law Paul is
celebrating his 90th birthday this year.
You’d never know it, to meet him.
His hearing is bad, and I worry when I
see him walk - but he’s still working
three mornings a week as a lighting
consultant. Sharp as a tack!
Paul was telling us about his grow-
ing up years in New Straitsville, Ohio. (It’s near Coshocton, if
that helps.) Paul was born (obviously!) in 1919, so most of his
stories were of the 20’s and 30’s in small-town America. Kind
of a real-life Mayberry. He was quite the prankster as a kid. A
prankster, as opposed to a hooligan. Pranksters are what WE
are. Hooligans, vandals and delinquents are what THEY are.
Maybe that needs a little thought!
Anyway, my favorites stories have always been about the
“Devil’s Oven,” which is what the media called New Straits-
ville’s famous mine fire. Here’s what happened: the town sits
over a series of coal veins - and excellent coal, at that. The
town history says that New Straitsville coal equaled or sur-
passed the best coal in the country. In the 1880’s the owners
and miners got into a dispute about production and wages. The
miners were considering unionizing. The owners brought in
“scabs” when the miners went on strike. Three miners (who
remain anonymous to this day) decided to rev up the action, so
they snuck off and filled a coal car (one of those things that
runs on the rails in the mine) with oil-soaked scrap lumber and
shoved it down into one of the mines. It took several days be-
fore the fire was discovered, by which time it had really taken
hold. Various attempts to put out the fire (including water and
dirt) failed and it continued to burn, spreading from vein to
vein.

5.
In the late 30’s workers with the WPA went in and tried to
block the fire by creating cement “dams” blocking one area
from another. Still no success. The latest town history that
Paul has is from 1996, at which time the fire was still going. I
went on the internet to check, and read that: “The New Straits-
ville mine fire has raged ever since 1884. It is estimated that
more than two hundred square miles of coal has burned. Dur-
ing the late 1800s, nearby residents used water from their wells
to brew instant coffee because it was so hot from the fire. In
2003, smoke began to emerge from the soil of the Wayne Na-
tional Forest, 119 years after the fire began.”
Paul remembers that coffee and tea brewing well. (There
was only one.) Paul also remembers - in the middle of winter -
taking a blanket and a bag of sandwiches out into the woods
with friends and walking till they found a crevasse out of
which smoke came. There, where the heat of the underground
fire was released to the surface, the grass was green and grow-
ing, though snow lay all around. The boys would often camp
out in those spots, kept comfortable by the warm earth.
Though the fire was called the “Devil’s Oven,” I think that
it is a great metaphor for the “raging” love of God. When evil
seems to have won - when it appears that the world has gone to
hell - the love of God breaks out. Often in unexpected places.
Wherever it is found, the bleak, lifeless expanse of tainted and
broken human experience gives way to the lushly growing life
& future which God desires for us, His beloved children.
The efforts of evil to quench that fire of love are doomed to
failure. The cross always gives way to the empty tomb. We are
called, invited, urged to life within the light and warmth - and
safety - of that fire. And to invite those we meet, whether
friends or foe, to join us. That’s who we are, dear friends.
Children of the light.
For once you were in darkness, but now in the Lord you are
light. Live as children of light—for the fruit of the light is
found in all that is good and right and true.
Ephesians 5:8-9
ctáàÉÜ Uxàà|

6.
CALLING ALL CRAFTERS
AND ARTISANS!
On December 13th, Tabitha Circle will
reveal the raffle winner of their handmade
quilt. For the 3rd year there will also be
table space for crafters to display & sell
their work. Last year we had 10 tables with
lovely gifts. If you'd like to take advantage
of this opportunity or have questions, call
Marie Meloy (330-673-7484) or email
Julianne Dezort (jmddino18@neo.rr.com) by Nov. 8th. This is
open to all Trinity members and their friends. Please tell us if you
want 1-2 tables and if you need electricity. We ask that you donate
a portion of your profits to church. Start planning & mark your
calendars for this special event. ~ Julianne Dezort & Marie Meloy
CONGREGATIONAL MEETING
Sunday, September 27, 9:30 - 10:30 am
We will receive updates and reports from Trinity’s
committees and groups. Come learn about all we
collectively do at Trinity. You may be surprised!
Apology from the Editor
There was no September Trinity Topics published. I know many
of you notice and missed it! At first I was waiting for some addi-
tional information to be submitted, but then I just dropped the
ball. Ultimately, there’s no excuse. Please accept my apology for
any inconvenience I created. Sincerely, Debbie Schinker
MINISTER TO OTHERS…USING YOUR CAR!
Did you know that the Social Ministry committee pairs volunteer
drivers with people who need transportation to doctors appoint-
ments & errands? If you only have a few hours one day a week
to drive, we can work around your schedule! It’s fun, easy, and
really helps people. Please sign up on the usher’s table if you are
able to help with this valuable and deeply appreciated ministry.

7.
To Our High-Tech Members:
Does anyone have the technology needed to translate slides into
digital pictures? We have boxes of old slides that are probably
pretty interesting! If you can help, please call the church office
and let us know.
Get your tongues and palates
ready - spaghetti dinners have
started up again! They will held
the third Friday of each month ex-
cept December from 4:30-7 p.m.
For the general public the price is
$8 for adults, $4 for children ages
5 thru 12 and free for those under
5 There are many ways to assist in
this great money making project.
You can offer yourself for physical
service. There are many jobs to fill and time slots. A little
perk is that your dinner is half price if you help with the din-
ner. Homemade pies and cakes are needed. If you can not
help in either of these ways, a monetary donation will be ac-
cepted graciously to help buy supplies. If you'd like to do-
nate food, please ask Ron Paskey what to buy since he has
a secret recipe. {It involves Mids spaghetti sauce meat fla-
vored and even Duke can't make him tell!} If you get a
phone call to assist, please prayerfully consider this oppor-
tunity to get to better know other Trinity members and the
community. Spread the word. Our dinners are truly a gas-
tronomic delight.
~ Julianne Dezort, a spaghetti dinner worker
At this time, there are no plans to hold our annual Lutheran
World Relief Handicraft fair this fall. If this news breaks
your heart and you are interested in coordinating this event,
please see Maureen Cole for relevant details and informa-
tion. Otherwise, stay tuned next fall for its return!

8.
NOTES from the Organ Bench
Cindy Smith Howard, Dir. Music Ministries
It’s that time again for choirs to begin and music of
all sorts to sound throughout Trinity as we ring and
sing and play music of praise and joy together!
There are a few special events already planned for
the next year and more will be announced later:
• September 27th – our youth choirs will present a special
service commemorating 100 years of youth at Trinity
• November 8th – special music will help commemorate
Trinity’s 100th anniversary celebrations
• January 9th – our 12th Night Madrigal Feaste dinner –
mark your calendars now to reserve the date!
We always say it and it’s ALWAYS true – no prior experience
is needed and ALL choirs welcome new members at any time.
We have a lot of fun as we work together to prepare music for
regular or special services or programs – come and give us a try!
2009 - 2010 TRINITY CHOIR SCHEDULE
Wednesdays 5:30 - 6:00 p.m.
Kinder Choir – meets in the nursery with Mrs. Williams
Ages 3 (must be potty-trained) – pre-school
Cherub Choir – meets in the music room with Mrs. Howard
Kindergarten – 3 rd grade
Jubilate Choir – does not meet at this time –
we have no interested youth grades 3-6
Children participating in youth choirs also have the opportunity to
participate in Kids ’ Club which follows immediately after our re-
hearsals at 6:00 p.m.
Through all the tumult and the strife,
I hear that music ringing,
It finds an echo in my soul.
How can I keep from singing?

9.
Wednesdays – 6:15 - 7:15 p.m.
Trinity Ringers
This Bell Choir meets with Cindy Howard in the music
room and is open to any age. No prior bell ringing experience is
necessary, BUT being able to read music is a prerequisite. This
group performs throughout the year.
Wednesdays – 7:30 - 9:00 p.m.
Chancel Choir – post-high school – adult
We’re especially looking for basses!!!! This group meets
in the music room with Cindy Howard. They sing at the 10:45 am.
service and for special events. All voices are welcome – come
and share the fun!
Sundays – 7:50 a.m. - 8:10 a.m.
Cantate Choir (music room)
High School – adult
This group sings for the 8:15 a.m. service and special services.
We had a great beginning last year and welcome anyone who
would like to join us for year #2!
Sundays – 9:30 a.m. - 10:30 a.m.
Hosanna Choir (music room)
7th – 12th grade singers
This choir works with Mrs. Howard as both a musical
group and a Sunday School class for interested participants. This
year we will continue our study of the early church in the Book of
Acts and explore various denominations of Christianity.
TRINITARIANS TRAIN RIDE
The Trinitarians will be going on a train
ride on the Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Rail-
road to view the fall leaves on Saturday,
October 17th. The train leaves at 2:25 pm
from the Bridge Street station in Akron,
travels to Independence, and returns to Ak-
ron at 5:25 pm. Cost is $8 per person.
Contact Hugh Taylor for tickets or more
information. 330-928-7718

10.
News from
Trinity Boy Scout Troop 251
We would like to thank Mitch Darmon for
his service to the troop as Scoutmaster. He
is retiring as a Scoutmaster, but will con-
tinue with the troop as an Assistant Scout-
master. Mitch and his wife Tina (one of
our troop committee members) have been very active in the
troop for several years. They have 4 sons and as of Sept 13th,
their sons are all Eagle Scouts. Steve and Tom achieved that
rank in 2004 and continued to be active in the troop, while
earning Eagle Palms until they went to college. Jon became an
Eagle Scout last spring and Bill is the latest Eagle in the fam-
ily. We would like to offer our thanks and gratitude to this
family for all that they have given to scouting and their dedica-
tion to providing a quality program for Trinity.
A Note from the New Scoutmaster
My name is Mike Whitacre. I am 47 yrs old and live in
Kent. I am happily married to my high school girlfriend Mi-
chelle. We have been together for 18 years, married for 15
years. We have one son-Dylan Lucas Montgomery. He is 13
years old and a Life Scout. I also have 2 other children from a
previous marriage. They are Michael Paul Whitacre - age 26,
and Stephanie Marie Whitacre - age 24. They both live in
California.
I am a professional truck driver for a private company that
is family owned. I am the only truck driver in the corporation.
I have been with them for 3 years and really enjoy my work
driving a big rig. I also have experience as a heavy equipment
operator. (I really loved to operate the big machines) I also
have experience as a carpenter and have helped to build a lot
of homes in Ravenna.
I grew up in Kent but moved to Ravenna when I was in
the 7th grade. I graduated from Ravenna High School and Ma-
plewood Career Center in 1980. After graduation I joined the
Marine Corps where I served my country for almost 10 years, I

11.
held the rank of Sergeant and was a section leader in charge of 13
young Marines. My job was in Air Defense but I went to many
schools for various jobs. While in the Marines I had the opportu-
nity to travel and experience the country of Japan (I was stationed
in Okinawa). I also traveled to Norway (twice) which has very
friendly people and a beautiful country.
I enjoyed growing up in Kent where I lived by train tracks. I
loved to listen to the trains. (Still do) One of my hobbies is going
to train shows and collecting model trains (HO series). I also enjoy
the sport of bowling. I have been bowling on a league for about 14
years and enjoy the competition and the friendships it brings.
Since my son has been in scouts it has given me the opportunity to
experience and enjoy this great organization! I only hope that I can
help many young boys experience the joys of Scouting!
KENT ENVIRONMENTAL COUNCIL
The Kent Environmental Council and
the Unitarian-Universalist Church of
Kent are co-sponsoring a fundraiser
for the Portage Park District. “A
Celebration of Wilderness,” a multi-
media show with folksinger & trav-
eler Walkin' Jim Stotlz, will be held
Oct. 2 at 7:30 pm at Kent UUC, 228 Gougler Ave. Con-
tact Renee Ruchotzke at zimlar@yahoo.com for details.
On Mon., Oct. 5, the KEC hosts its Fall Forum at the
Kent UCC at Horning Road and E. Main. "Talking
Trash: New Options" will feature Portage County Com-
missioner Chuck Keiper & Director of Portage County
Recycling Center Bill Steiner discussing what’s new at
the center and new technologies & markets for recycled
resources. Heather White, head of environment & opera-
tions at KSU, and Candy Pollard, director of the County
Clothing Center, will describe their reuse & recycling
activities. A short business meeting begins at 7 pm. The
program begins at 7:30 pm.

12.
OCTOBER WOR-
October 4th - 18th Sunday of Pentecost
8:15 am Service of the Word & Prayer
10:45 am Holy Communion
Theme: Today's gospel combines a saying that makes many of
us uncomfortable with a story we find comforting. Jesus' saying
on divorce is another of his rejections of human legislation in fa-
vor of the original intent of God's law. Jesus' rebuke of the disci-
ples who are fending off the children should challenge us as well.
What does it mean to receive the kingdom of God as a child does?
October 11th - 19th Sunday of Pentecost
8:15 am Holy Communion
10:45 am Service of the Word & Prayer
Theme: The rich man who comes to ask
Jesus what he should do to inherit eternal
life is a good man, sincere in his asking.
Out of love, not as judgment, Jesus offers
him an open door to life: sell all you own
and give it to the poor. Our culture bom-
bards us with the message that we will find
life by consuming. Our assemblies counter this message with the
invitation to find life by divesting for the sake of others.
October 18th - 20th Sunday of Pentecost
8:15 am Service of the Word & Prayer
10:45 am Holy Communion
Theme: Today's gospel starts with disciples obsessing over
who's number one, which leads Jesus to say something about
God's take on importance and power. Here Jesus makes it explicit
that the reversal of values in God's community is a direct chal-
lenge to the values of the dominant culture, where wielding power
over others is what makes you great. When we pray "your king-
dom come" we are praying for an end to tyranny and oppression.
We pray this gathered around the cross, a sign of great shame
transformed to be the sign of great honor and service.

13.
SHIP SC HEDULE
October 25th - Reformation Sunday
8:15 am Holy Communion
10:45 am Service of the Word & Prayer
Theme: On this day we celebrate the heart of
our faith: the gospel of Christ—the good news—
that makes us free! We pray that the Holy Spirit
would continue to unite the church today in its
proclamation and witness to the world. In the
waters of baptism we are made one body; we
pray for the day that all Christians will also be
MISC OCTOBER WORSHIP DETAILS
Flowe rs Eternal Light
October 4 Bennett Baughman
October 11 Briggs Flower
October 18 Dunivan Wolf/Flower
October 25 Schinker/Schaffer Open
Coffee hour on Oct. 11th is sponsored
by the Mary/Martha circle. Oct. altar care is pro-
vided by Kim Lemmon, Shawn Anderson, Helen
Glenn & Pat Dunivan. Thanks for your help!
The coffee hour sponsor schedule through 2009 is:
October 11 Martha/Mary Circle
November 8 Rebecca Circle
December 13 Finance Committee
A follow-up letter to group leaders will be sent two weeks
in advance of each date.
Entertainment books for 2010 are now available for $30
in the church office or from Jen & Matt Smith.
Proceeds benefit the T-n-T (Twenties and Thirties) group.

15.
All women of the church
are a part of WELCA
- Women of the ELCA -
and are invited to attend
any and all WELCA events.
OCTOBER ACTIVITES
October 8 1:00 pm Rebecca Circle (SR)
October 11 Coffee Hr Sponsored by Mary Martha
October 12 7:00 pm Sarah Circle (LB)
October 22 6:30 pm Tabitha Circle (LL)
October 23-24 Biennial NEOSWO @ Divinity in Parma
October 25 Blanket Sunday
October 26 7:00 pm Mary Martha
October 27 6:00 pm Esther Circle
Thank you to everyone who participated in the Mary Mar-
tha circle soap collection for the 100th Anniversary cele-
bration. With your help we exceeded our goal and col-
lected 148 bars of soap. The soap will be sent to Lutheran
World Relief in October with the Tabitha Circle quilts,
school kits, and sewing kits. Thank you.
Habitat for Humanity
Welcome Home Gala Fundraiser
Please join Habitat for Humanity of Portage
County at a Welcome Home gala fund-
raiser. The event begins at 7:00 pm on Oc-
tober 17, 2009 at The Bertram Inn in
Aurora. We are pleased to welcome Clive Rainey, the first
volunteer for Habitat for Humanity International, as our key-
note speaker. Tickets are $125 each, which includes an
elegant evening of entertainment, hors d'œuvres, dinner,
dessert, & two cocktails. For more info, contact Habitat at
330-296-2880 or publicrelations@habitatofportage.org.

16.
Health Ministries:
COCHLEAR
IMPLANTS
A cochlear implant (CI) is a surgically implanted device
which can help severely hearing- impaired people to hear. It is not
a hearing aid. This device is not a cure, but it can provide the
user with sound & better awareness of the listening environment.
On the outside of the ear, with a device which looks much
like a standard behind-the-ear hearing aid, there is a microphone.
Just as in the typical hearing aid, the microphone detects sounds.
These sounds are sent to a speech processor, usually within the
same device. This speech processor, just like it says, processes
these sounds & changes them into digital signals which are sent to
transmitter placed on the head just behind the ear. From here, the
sounds are transmitted to a receiver implanted under the skin.
Within the cochlea (inner ear) are implanted electrodes which
take information from the receiver & stimulate the hearing nerve.
These signals travel to the brain and are perceived as sound.
Testing to determine if a patient can have a CI is extensive,
involving not only “hearing tests” but also x-rays, MRI’s, and
physical examination. Patients are counseled to make sure that
they will be physically and emotionally able to have the surgery
and then to follow-up with the maintenance, programming, ther-
apy, and counseling required afterwards.
Many professionals work with CI patients. Otologists are the
surgeons who implant the devices. Audiologists perform the ex-
tensive pre- and post-operative hearing and communication ex-
aminations. They also map (program) and maintain the devices.
Audiologists and/or speech- language pathologists provide aural
rehabilitation after the devices are activated. Since the sound sen-
sations provided by implants can be different from typical hear-
ing, this therapy (short or long term) is required to learn how to
listen to and use these sounds. Psychologists and counselors offer
emotional help before during, and after the procedures.
Who is a candidate for CI? Although conditions may vary
some, the typical patient has: severe to profound hearing loss in

17.
both ears, little or no benefit from hearing aids, realistic expecta-
tions of benefit, and strong motivation to communicate in a
“hearing world.” When children are implanted, their parents must
be active participants in the process from the beginning and
throughout the intensive rehabilitation therapies. Children as
young as fourteen months have received and used CI’s success-
fully. With increasing knowledge and improving testing tech-
nologies, even younger children could be candidates in the future.
For more information, check out these websites:
http://www.nidcd.nih.gov/health/hearing/coch.asp
http://www.fda.gov/cdrh/cochear/index.html
http://www.cochlearamericas.com/products/10.asp
~ Karen Burkey, Health Ministries Committee Member
LESSONS
AND IMPRESSIONS
FROM THE 2009
NATIONAL YOUTH
GATHERING
IN NEW ORLEANS
Ryan Parrish In New Orleans, I learned how many people are will-
ing to live and learn in the name of Christ. I also learned how to more
easily profess my faith.
Troy Loomis I liked painting in the cultural arts centre, that was
pretty cool. The jugglers in the super dome they were pretty good.
Rachel Lann I really appreciated the speakers. I really enjoyed hear-
ing their stories and it meant so much more coming straight out of
them.. I am now sharing their stories with almost everyone I know.
Sam Haworth What I learned in that New Orleans is that good streets
can land into bad streets. NOLA still needs help and has all of its culture
still.

18.
Aaron Burkey The New Orleans gathering was not only a great time,
but an opportunity to really think about my faith. The Superdome
speakers all had great things to say and the city was fantastic.
Sarah Briggs It’s very hard to describe in words the Youth Gather-
ing. 37,000 all in 1 place to help. I feel like I barely did anything to help,
but they were thankful for the little I did. What did I take from New
Orleans? Every story I heard. It was undescribable.
Jackie Lann I got so much out of the New Orleans gathering. I ac-
tually got to see that some people are more unfortunate than I am. I
heard stories about people that had struggle in their lives and used it to
find God. I liked the Bible studies at night, where we talked about our
highs and lows of the day.
Whitney Anderson Well as I was listening to that guy at Ashe, I
started thinking for a possible purpose as to why God might have chosen
to practically destroy New Orleans. Even though I will never fully un-
derstand his plan I believe his reason was to bring more people together.
By which he obviously succeeded because the guy from Ashe told me how
instead of just poorer people waiting in line for food, everyone was and
how many people came from all parts of the country just to help them
rebuild their city.
Owen Baggett In New Orleans I learned how much we as young peo-
ple can affect a community when we worked together. Also, I learned
how much the community of New Orleans really cared about what we
did. At first I didn’t know whether they would really appreciate what we
did. I think we definitely showed God’s will in a good way.
Dennis Haworth My favorite part about NOLA...The Thanks...
The appreciation. Me and Kait were walking across the street “raising
the roof,” laughing, having a good time. Then an older lady driving by
stopped, rolled down her window, and said, “Thank you so much for
coming.” It’s a good feeling to know you’re wanted, or appreciated. It
also feels good to know, in your own mind, that you’re doing something

19.
good for someone else. Those are the feelings I think we all need to
strive for. That’s what I got from NOLA.
Elizabeth Koby I really enjoyed the Flying Karamazov Brothers.
They were probably the best part of any of the ELCA organize events. (I
enjoyed the things we did as a group) I was also impressed by some of the
speakers in the way they overcame problems either of their own or others.
The thing that keeps nagging at me, though, is the mixed message be-
tween what thy said people as Christians should do, versus what people
should do to be safe. For example, the speakers would say “go talk to
people, meet them, get their stories”, while everyone else said “don’t
make eye contact, don’t engage people”. There would seem to be some
difficulty in doing both.
Zac Elmore I learned to always trust in God, no matter how bad the
situation seems. I learned that everyone needs help, and can be helped. I
learned that chugging a bottle of Tabasco sauce probably isn't the best
idea.
Audra Parrish I learned that even one person can make a difference
in someone else’s life, and 38,000 can help an entire city. Spreading our
faith and willingness to work DID help New Orleans. I saw the out-
comes of what we accomplished on a huge and small scale. By going to
NOLA, we all showed that people still care about what happens there.
We haven’t given up on the people and the rest of the world shouldn’t
either.
Kait Briggs I would like to first thank you for the amazing opportu-
nity of going on the Gathering twice. New Orleans was a trip that will
be rememberd for a life time for many reasons. 38,000 youth is an awe-
some number one thing that made my trip special was being able to look
around the superdome and seeing all of us come to gether under God. Be-
ing able to see James was an amazing thing the friendship between us is so
special and I want to thank you for helping me meet him and see him
again. Food, music, people & sights of New Orleans are what made this
trip fun. There is no where like it and I’m glad I got to experience it.

20.
Cade Salamon The Lutheran SR. UTH:
gathering in New Orleans will
HANG WITH US
stick in my thoughts for the rest (For Youth Grades 8-12)
of my life. I gained faith not only
in God, but in people as well. Teen Bible Study will be held on
Sunday October 4th & 18th at 12:30
Thousands upon thousands of
pm. Lunch is pro vided.
kind-hearted people with Jesus in
their hearts really turned the city Sunday, October 18th from 5-8 pm
around. we’ll gather for a planning session
with games, music, fun, food &
whatever else pops up. It’s Uth Nite
JR. UTH: at Trinity!
COME GET CORNY Sunday, October 25th - 6:00 pm in
(For Youth Grades 5-7) the Trinity Theater (a.k.a. the nar-
We’ll be traveling to May’s Farm in thex) we’ll have a movie night. The
Rootsto wn for a night time Corn Hollywood flick has yet to be deter-
Maze on Friday, October 2. This is mined but Pfid is open to sugges-
a non-haunted maze that is lots o f tions, donations, bribes - well, at
fun. Bring a flashlight. We’ll begin least suggestions - for movie ideas.
at church at 6 pm with hot dogs and
cider. The evening at the Maze also
SUNDAY SCHOOL
includes an area where we can view
and feed the animals, a hayride into HAS RESUMED
pumpkin town, and a small pump- We “rang in” the new year of Sun-
kin for you to bring home. Cost is day School with a bell-themed Rally
$5. Sign up at the Youth Bulletin Day on September 13th . There are
Board. Adult chaperones and drivers classes for every age! We’re con-
are needed. tinuing the “Sundays and Seasons”
curriculum which ties in with the
weekly lessons, psalm, and gospel.
GET THE SCOOP
If you are a high school student in-
Don't forget to check the weekly terested in a class, please contact Pas-
Trinity Lutheran Youth email. If tor Fidler. We also encourage high
you’re not on the list send a request schoolers NOT interested in attend-
to Pastor Fidler at prfid@sbcglobal. ing to consider helping out with a
net or catch him on Facebook. younger class as a teach er or aide.

21.
To all members of Trinity: We appreciate all your kindness
and concern about our dad, Norman Collins. Thank you.
- The Collins Family
• All our VBS staff!
• Pr. Dixon Slingerland for filling in for
Pastor Betti and Pastor Fidler while
they were away on August 16th
• Sue Briggs, Kelly Linden, Jen Smith,
and Pastor Fidler for chaperoning our
youth in New Orleans
• Tom Elmore, Goeff Koby, Betsy
Novotny, Shelly Parrish, Salamon's, and Ted Linden for trans-
I would like to thank everyone who sent cards, called,
and prayed for me while I was in the hospital and home.
It mad me feel much better. ~Alverna Taylor
I would like to thank the people who helped with the
bereavement luncheon for Norman Collins’ family and
friends. Those helping were: Marie Bennett, Eileen Bra-
hce, Helen Glenn, Madison, Marie Meloy, Emma Ran-
dall, Mary Lou Rotnem, Jimmy and Sanddy Wittenauer,
Evelyn Trimble, & Mike Uzl.
In the past, we have provided the complete meal. Now
we will only provide desserts and beverages, set-up, serve,
and clean-up. Your help was greatly appreciated. God
bless you. - Marilyn Zeman
I wish to thank everyone for all the beautiful get well cards that I got
and for keeping me in your prayers. Thank you so much! Emma Setlock

22.
Dear Trinity Family:
We appreciated receiving a share of the donated funds from this
year’s Easter Egg collection. The money offset some of the regis-
tration fee for Camp Mowana, the Lutheran Outdoor Ministry
camp both Emily and Megan attended this summer. John’s trip
to Africa with Teachers Without Borders ended up costing more
than we had budgeted, so the Easter Egg funds were a welcomed
blessing. Below are notes the girls wrote about their experiences
at camp this year. Thanks again for your generosity!
~ John and Debbie Schinker
Thank you for providing money so I could go to Camp Mowana.
I liked seeing old friends and making new friends. I liked it when
all of the counselors dressed up in funny costumes and we had to
solve the mystery of who stole the golden dustpan.
~ Megan Schinker, Age 8
Thank you for donating money so that we could go to Camp
Mowana. I really liked chapel, swimming, morning watch (where
we think about hard questions about God), and cabin action
(where we did an activity together as a cabin). This summer's
theme was serving. We learned about how God calls us to serve
him and sends us out to serve others.
~ Emily Schinker, Age 10
July 31, 2009
Dear Pastors and Congregation of Trinity,
Thank you so very much for your prayers and best
wishes during my surgery and recovery. The Lord has
blessed me with speedy healing and, with your continued
prayers, I look forward to a complete recuperations.
God bless you all,
Cindy Ehrman

25.
versaries of my body. In
The Lord’s July, I celebrated the anni-
versary of my 13th body!
Laughter ~ Pastor Paul Hasel (Age 91)
The One whose throne Ventura, IA
is in heaven sits laughing.
My 5 year old daughter
Amelia and I were waiting
for the school bus. She told
Sign seen on a pastor’s desk:
me she was going to show
I started out with nothing, but
her stuffed flamingo to her
I still have most of it left!
~ Via Pastor Don Hoffman “new bestest friend, Mea-
St. John’s Lutheran, Lena, IL gan.” I asked her what hap-
pened to her ’old bestest
I’ve discovered humor is an friend’ and she replied,
anti-aging medicine. I used to “Tina was mean to me.
joke about my birthday by Tina and John are my mean-
celebrating annually the anni- est, bestest friends.” What a
versaries of my 39th birthday. concept, to have a mean best
Then I discovered a scientific friend. If that isn’t loving
way. I read that every 7 your enemies, I don’t know
years, you have all new cells what is!
in your body, except your ~ Via Mark E. Honstein, Chaplain
brain cells. So now I stay Lutheran Good Samaritan Society
Loveland, CO
young by celebrating the anni-